Lo walked toward her, and Bria winced. Did he know about her indiscretion? Was the stench of her betrayal so potent that he could smell it? She wasn’t sure and when Lo gently grabbed her chin and kissed her lips, Bria was muddled. In the midst of her confusion, she consumed him with the need of an addict. Why did his lips taste so good? Bria was so pissed at him for holding back for so long. All she ever wanted was to connect with him on a level that wasn’t just surface. Lo pulled back, gazing into her eyes with his toasted brown irises. There was aspell in his orbs. One that would’ve been activated the day she first met him, but Lo hadn’t been receptive to her.
“I’m sorry for upsetting you last night. Do you forgive me?”
Bria’s eyes expanded, stunned by his apology. This was Mr. I do what I want. Lo didn’t care about her feelings so hearing him apologize was a nice treat.
Too shocked to talk, she nodded confirmation. Lo explored her face with intent before licking his lips.
“You feel like taking a ride with me?”
“Sure.”
“A’ight, meet me in the car.”
Lo walked away, taking his masculine scent with him. Bria traveled upstairs and put on a lounge set. She didn’t know what to make of this sudden change with Lo, but she received it. After getting dressed, she walked down to the garage and got inside his Lincoln Nautilus. Lo drove away without saying much to her. It felt good being on the passenger side of his truck. She wondered if her rant had prompted this sudden change in him. They’d argued before but last night had been the worst of their debates.
Lo grabbed her hand and intertwined their fingers together. When he kissed the back of it, a genuine beam stretched on her lips. This was such a beautiful contrast to the man she had been forced to deal with. It made her regret her blunder so much more. They rode in silence and basked in each other’s company. Lo didn’t have to say a word in this moment. This had been the most affection he’d shown her, and she wanted to stay in this mood.
After a forty-minute drive, Lo pulled down a long driveway and parked in front of a dilapidated building.
“What’s this?” Bria wondered aloud.
“It’s something special inside for you. Come on.”
Lo got out first and rounded the car to open the door. Bria stepped out, cautiously looking at the building that could use more siding and new windows. Lo unlocked the door with a key, and they entered. Surprisingly, it was empty as he walked toward another door that looked like a vault. Lo pulled it open, and they walked inside. Bria looked around at what looked like a lab. The color was drab with several cabinets, a freezer, and a long sterile table. The temp was chilly, urging Bria to rub her hands down her arms to warm up.
Lo was in front of her and when he stepped aside, her tracks came to a halt. Her mouth parted, unable to believe what her vision reflected.
What the fuck?
Bria’s body had become a haven for panic. Heart palpitations, bubbling guts, and the tightening of her chest had devoured her at a rapid rate.
“What’s wrong?” Lo asked with a sinister smile.
She glanced at him then at Dough whose arms were tied over his head. Duct tape concealed his mouth while he stood on a bucket. This was bad. So bad that Bria thought she would piss on herself because fear had seized her body. Without warning, she ran back to the door, attempting to flee what was bound to be a crime scene. When she pulled on the handle, it didn’t budge.
“Shit,” she whimpered, banging on the door.
Once Bria accepted the reality of being locked inside, tears leaked from her eyes.
“Come on, Bri-Bri. You gon’ miss all the fun,” Lo taunted her.
All of a sudden, the tone of his voice sickened her. He thought this was amusing, meanwhile she was trying her best not to fall victim to a panic attack.
“Bring yo’ ass back in here. You not going nowhere for a while.”
Sniffling, Bria took staggered steps back inside. Lo stared at her with the eyes of the devil. What used to be toasted brown irises were now raven.
“You always running and now you gotta suffer the consequences for playing me. That’s what got you in this position in the first place. Running to a hotel with this nigga like I wasn’t gon’ find out is crazy.”
Bria was stunned. How did Lo know she had been with Dough? Was he aware of how far they’d gone? She was bewildered and suddenly felt lightheaded.
“Have a seat.”
She looked over at the folding chair and timidly sat.
“Lo, I’m so—”
“Sorry?” he finished. “Nah, you ain't sorry. You were about to carry on like you wasn’t just dick surfing with this nigga last night. But don't trip, Bri-Bri. I’ll make sure you never fuck with me again.”
